BRF Views on Peace and Peacemaking

Editorial
January/February, 1990
Volume 25, Number 1

We also feature in this issue of WITNESS, the essence of a message given at an Insight Session at Annual Conference in 1988. It summarizes BRF’s views regarding peace and peacemaking. Many in the peace movements of today imply that global problems can only be solved politically and internationally, and that the church should seek to bring peace and harmony among nations through political influence. As the article says, “The human heart, when untouched by God’s grace, is essentially at war with God-and no amount of summits, talks, negotiations, teachings, and seminars will result in lasting peace. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can address the real need of the human heart.” We believe you will be benefited by reading the material in this first issue of the 25th year of our distributing the BRF WITNESS.

–H. S. M.

The Future Direction

of the BRF Peace Movement

A concern for peace has always been one of the core teachings of the historic Brethren faith. Consequently, the Brethren Revival Fellowship has an interest in the issues of peace. However at the outset of this discussion, one must realize that the BRF is not primarily concerned with the promotion of peace. From the cover of the BRF WITNESS one learns that the primary purpose of our organization is “proclaiming and preserving Biblical values for living today.” The values we promote are those historically held by the Brethren, including the ideal of peace, but not primarily peace.

Rather than making peace the major issue, BRF is principally committed to the promoting of personal salvation from sin. We understand sin to be the root cause of the absence of peace in our lives, communities, and world. It is our conviction that the violence, hostility, and brokenness which exist in the world today are the natural and expected results of unconverted human hearts (see James 4:1-6). And it is our conviction that since the human heart, when untouched by God’s grace, is essentially at war with God- no amount of summits, talks, negotiations, teaching, seminars, etc. will result in lasting peace. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can address the real need of the human heart.

We applaud, of course, any effort which results in a more peaceful life for the whole human family. However we fear that if such efforts are not coupled with an attempt to deal with a person’s real problem–alienation from God–then the results are at best partial and temporal. This is why I say the Brethren Revival Fellowship is not primarily concerned with the promotion of peace. We are committed to calling Christians to live by the standards of the Sermon on the Mount (as well as other New Testament teachings which call us to peacemaking). For us, peacemaking is an issue of discipleship. Some people fear that the BRF, with its concern for personal salvation, stops with the issue of baptism. I do not think we do; but the BRF does begin with baptism (as it represents conversion to Christ). Our concern is that some peace movements do not begin at the point of calling individuals to enter into a personal relationship with Christ. Because, for us, peace is a principle of discipleship, we expect peace to develop wherever Jesus reigns supreme, whether that is within a person’s heart, between two neighbors, between persons in the church, or between two nations. In essence, this is what the Pastoral Letter concerning the nuclear arms race issued by the Bishops of the Catholic Church says. That letter basically states that the world will never know lasting peace until the Prince of Peace reigns supreme in the hearts of men and women.

What then is the future direction of the peace concerns of the Brethren Revival Fellowship? Although I cannot speak for everyone who would identify with our organization, I can say that from our perspective we will persist in the following activities:

1) We will continue to call upon people to commit themselves to Jesus and to follow Him in radical discipleship.

2) We will continue to expect the members of our churches to reject military service, litigation for purposes of revenge or personal gain, violence in family and personal life-as well as abortion, divorce, and other non-Christian means of problem solving. (Some congregations who would consider themselves within the BRF camp still make military participation a test of membership).

3) We denounce a blind nationalism. BRF-oriented churches generally do not have flags in the sanctuary (as would some of the more fundamentalist congregations). This does not mean that we do not appreciate the freedom and privileges which come with our citizenship, but rather, the absence of flags represents an awareness that we could have just as easily been born in another country of the world, and that our allegiance is not paid to any world leader.

4) BRF-related churches regularly include nonresistance/ peace as a part of their church membership classes. We will continue to include these themes in our Bible Institutes, WITNESS articles, and BRF-sponsored workshops.

5) We will continue to promote the nonresistant view of pacifism, which is built (among other things) upon the two-kingdom concept taught in Scripture. The two-kingdom view simply postulates that God has issued to the Christian church an ethic different from the one by which the non-Christian world is expected to live.

6) We will likely remain active in the BVS program, supporting the call to voluntarily give of ourselves to peaceful and constructive enterprises.

7) We intend to more vigorously promote mission work with world evangelization as its primary goal.

In short, our peace tactic is a simple one – preach the Gospel of God’s grace – keeping in mind the need of every human being to be born anew, and then to train these disciples to live by the standards of the New Testament and to follow in the path of nonresistant love for others. These two ideals- conversion and discipleship- lie at the heart of the Biblical message. Paul says it well: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God … if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live at peace with all” (Romans 5:1 and 12:18).

The above message was condensed from the presentation made at the Thursday night ON EARTH PEACE ASSOCIATION Insight Session during the week of Annual Conference at St. Louis, MO in 1988.

Post

In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

Register Now

BBI Registration Now Open!

Come explore God’s Word with us!. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17”
Sign up today!

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

Every Christian thinks about God, so every Christian is a theologian. Theology is the study of God. This course will encourage us to think about God in a biblical manner, from the information provided in the Scriptures. We will seek to further understand some major theological ideas from the Anabaptist-Pietist viewpoint and explain those ideas.

A STUDY OF ABRAHAM

Father of the faithful and a friend of God. His life serves as a profound study in covenant theology, testing the boundaries of faith, sacrifice, trust, and ultimate devotion to the One Creator. In this session we will study the character of Abraham, identify pictures of Jesus Christ, and apply truths and insights into our lives.

THE BOOK OF PSALMS

Within this collection of songs and prayers lie expressions of the deep passions of humanity. The psalmists cry out in despair, pour out his soul in confession, and express exuberant praise for his God. Through the peaks and valleys of human experience, the Psalms guide us to praise our loving Creator.

THE CULTS AND FALSE RELIGIONS

This study will look at the beliefs of a variety of cults and false religions that are prevalent in America today. These false beliefs will be contrasted with Biblical truth along with ways to respond when confronted by followers of these cults.

WOMEN IN THE EARLY CHURCH

You’ve heard about Paul and Silas, Peter and John. But, what about Priscillas? Chloe? Phoebe? and Lydia (a strong woman who “prevailed” on Paul, Silas and Luke in Philippi)? Because of its focus on the ones that others rejected, tax collectors, Samaritans and women, Jesus and later the early church attracted the outcasts into their followers. This class will focus on the women who influenced the early church and the role of women in the church today.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

A general survey of the entire New Testament, which includes a panoramic view of all 27 books. Note will be made of leading characteristics, main ideas of thought, and summary outlines of each book. Each book will be related to the total message of the New Testament.

STUDIES IN JOHN’S LETTERS

A detailed look at epistles that emphasize the relationship of the Christian to the father through the Lord Jesus Christ. The themes of assurance, obedience, love and truth in the Christian life will be drawn from our study.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.

Don't miss any article!

We will notify you every time we publish a post.